28 March 2012

Firefighters are urging householders to change their smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks at the end of Daylight Saving on April 1.

Taking a few minutes to ensure smoke alarms were working properly could buy valuable time for families during an emergency.

Every year, smoke alarms alert hundreds of NSW families to fires in their homes, allowing them a safe escape.

Smoke alarms can save lives but only if they are in proper working order. A smoke alarm with a flat battery is just as bad as no smoke alarm at all.

In 2011, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) attended almost 5000 home fires which tragically killed 20 people and injured hundreds of others.

It is vital that you protect yourself and your family by making sure you have working smoke alarms. It only takes a few minutes for fire to engulf a home, destroying property, possessions and lives. It's crucial you test your smoke alarm monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. In the event of a fire, call Triple Zero (000) from a safe place and wait for firefighters to arrive.

It is also recommended that photo-electric smoke alarms are installed in all bedrooms and hallways.

It's also essential for people to install smoke alarms in caravans, campervans and other moveable dwellings where people sleep under new laws introduced on 25 February 2011.

Floodwater can be deeper and faster flowing than it appears. It can contain hidden snags, debris and contaminants such as sewage, chemicals and dead animals. Floodwater can erode road surfaces. Entering floodwater is the major cause of death during floods.